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Sanity Not Censorship

Last week marked the 25th annual Banned Books Week, sponsored by the American Library Association to "reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted."

At Common Sense Media, we have always preached a message of sanity not censorship. This means that we're about helping families choose age-appropriate material for their kids, including books.

Here's how our review system works: In addition to making age recommendations, we provide notes with each and every review. These notes provide both content advisories and discussion ideas for helping your kids think critically about the media they consume.

We also provide top pick lists to point parents to the good stuff -- and discussion guides to help parents deal with tricky topics.

So, what were the most challenged titles of 2005? Read on, then tell us your opinion: Should a book ever be banned? How do you deal when your kids want to read something you don't think they're ready for?

1. It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris, a frank guide to puberty, was the most challenged book of last year.

2. Forever by Judy Blume for sexual content and offensive language

3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger for sexual content, offensive language and being unsuited to age group;

4. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier for sexual content and offensive language

5. Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher for racism and offensive language.